Today is Saturday, July 3rd, 2021.

On this day in 1988, a U.S. naval warship mistook a commercial airliner for an Iranian fighter jet.

The plane was shot down over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 civilians aboard.

Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parcast. Due to the graphic nature of

today's crimes, listener discretion is advised. This episode includes discussions of violence and murder

that some people may find offensive.

We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

Today, we're covering the Iran Air Flight 655 tragedy.

Let's go back to the Persian Gulf on July 3rd, 1988, at 10 in the morning.

Captain William Rogers III stood at the helm of the USS Vincennes warship, barking out orders.

His eyes narrowed on two spots in the distance where a couple of Iranian

gunboats sped through the water. They were the enemy, and their presence spelled danger for the

oil tanker that Rogers had been tasked with protecting. He commanded his crew to pursue them

at top speed. Some of the officers in the hall gave their captain questioning looks,

though no one dared to speak up.

Just hours earlier, Rogers had been told by his superiors

to change course and leave the area alone,

but he was too aggressive.

He didn't know how to back down. Behind the Vincennes, the USS Montgomery

followed closely, continuing the pursuit. Reassured by their presence, Rogers grew and boldened.

So when the Iranian gunboats got into firing rage, he didn't hesitate.

He didn't wait to confirm whether they were in international waters or Iranian waters.

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